Brunsbüttel Port
Gasnor, a natural gas distribution company, and Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH are planning to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker station at Brunsbüttel, Germany. DNV has been contracted to conduct the risk studies of the project, which will be the basis for the authorities’ approval of the project. Described by DNV as “leading the way in offering LNG fuel” in this area of northern Germany, the facility is proposed for a location at the crossing of the river Elbe and the Kiel-Canal.
In the context of generally increasing demands in environmentally friendly shipping, eco-friendly fuel is a key aspect. LNG is an environmentally-friendly energy source for ships, and it has already been in use for quite some years. The planned LNG bunker station will provide a safe, reliable and cost-effective way for fuelling sea vessels and barges with LNG.
Important elements in the risk analysis are a safety screening of the site and a safety analysis for the chosen location in terms of quantitative risk analysis, emergency planning and nautical risk analysis. In addition DNV will be supporting the communication process with approval authority LLUR (Landesamt für Landwirtschaft, Umwelt und ländliche Räume / agency for agriculture, environment and rural areas). “With this project, Gasnor and Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH are clearly taking a crucial step in the development of LNG bunkering infrastructure in this geographical area”, says Mohamed Houari, Head of Solutions, Central Europe of DNV.
Gasnor refuelling a ship with LNG at Brunsbüttel
Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH is owner and operator of three ports at Brunsbüttel (Elbehafen, Oilport and Ostermoor). The Elbehafen, being a multi-purpose port with water draft of 14.40 m, provides ideal conditions for an LNG bunker station for shipping from and to Hamburg as well as for all traffic on the Kiel-Canal. In 2010 31,933 ships used the Kiel Canal and 9,843 ships called into the port of Hamburg.
“With this project we move forward within the demands of ‘Green Ports’,” says Frank Schnabel, managing director of Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH.
(This article compiled using information from a DNV press release)
